Stretch fabric for movement, tough fabric for a little life, ample room for "the boys" due to harness and such, and slightly short at the narrow/tapered ankle to increase foot visibility. Anything in that framework. I have some gramicci, verve, old Jrat, OR, and Marmot pants that all fit the bill.

I climb in the cheapest jeans I can find (thrift store or Wal Mart). Always figured it to be DUMB to buy actual "Climbing clothes". Way the fuck too expensive for what boils down to be nothing more than IMAGE. (Not true however when it comes to WINTER clothing)...

I climb in the cheapest jeans I can find (thrift store or Wal Mart). Always figured it to be DUMB to buy actual "Climbing clothes". Way the fuck too expensive for what boils down to be nothing more than IMAGE. (Not true however when it comes to WINTER clothing)...

I climb in the cheapest jeans I can find (thrift store or Wal Mart). Always figured it to be DUMB to buy actual "Climbing clothes". Way the fuck too expensive for what boils down to be nothing more than IMAGE. (Not true however when it comes to WINTER clothing)...

Well, not always. Pants that are comfortable under a harness, have a lycra content, are relatively burly, and have things like gusseted crotches and articulated knees are pretty much the sole province of climbing clothing companies. If it's cold, I'll climb in whatever. As the temperature increases and the possibility of sweat increases, I cannot stand climbing in anything without some sort of stretch. Highstepping or wide stemming in Dickies or jeans when you're sweaty is like the worst feeling ever. I don't want my movement restricted by my _pants_ of all things. Shorts are out for me because of my tendency to kneebar/kneescum/basically grind my knees to pulp whenever possible, so I need a fabric that has stretch, but some resiliency as well. So far my favorite pants ever are the Verve Xeno pant, but they only do production runs sporadically. Next time they're available I'm getting two pairs. The Stonemaster stuff is pretty nice, and super burly. I have some Prana Stretch Zions and they feel pretty good, but are cut kind of weird. Although if you're doing easy to moderate trad or something, get whatever is cheap and durable.

+1 for Prana Stretch Zion. I have been buying these for 8 years and love them. I own four pair now. Very durable and comfortable. The sizing seems to vary widely from year to year so I have many different fits. You can usually find them on sale during end of season clearance sales.

I think I'm the 3rd +1 in here for the Zion pants. I have two pairs of the Zion shorts and one pair of the pants. They're the only pants/shorts I wear when climbing, often wear them when not climbing, and none of them need to be retired yet. Most comfortable pants I've ever worn and very durable to boot.

My wife just bought a pair of the Halle pants, which are essentially the Zion pants made for women, and she wishes she bought them a long time ago.

Another Zion fan. Bought after reviews on here (much like mojo shorts).

Shop around and get them on sale. 6pm or sierratradingpost if you're patient. The pants, I had to go L in - tiny bit restrictive in the hips for a M. Shorts, M easily fit fine. L was huge. Can vary by year it seems also, so try on for sure. So comfy. Durable so far. Breathe great.

Martial arts pants with an elastic waist. Freedom of movement, fairly wind resistant, durable, and cheap (~$20 per pair). They're a bit heavy for climbing in the dead of summer, but perfect for the east coast for 9/12 months per year.

Where can I get said martial arts pants? Edit: google found what I think you're talking about.

If you don't want to order online, most sporting goods retailers ought to sell them, especially ones that carry boxing equipment. If you live near a Chinatown, poking around the curio shops is a good bet, too.